Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

I hope tomorrow we will see significant political developments in the North. I seek a debate on Irish unity and welcome the new publication by Dr. Richard Humphreys, Countdown to Unity: Debating Irish Reunification, which was launched by the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, yesterday. It sets out practical steps, a road map and a programme on how reunification can be achieved in a peaceful manner. Articles 2 and 3 of Bunreacht na hÉireann refer to the fact that the State's objective is a peaceful reunification of the country, and Fianna Fáil's principle has always been a united Ireland. To achieve unity it is incumbent upon us to explain to the Unionist community how a united island would be beneficial to us all. We must be aware that any changes necessary to create this one nation would require sacrifices, but the sacrifices would be insignificant compared to the sacrifices of previous generations.